This is how you experience Milan like a true Milanese

Did you still know the story of Kiki who forgot her laptop in Milan? Well, my loyal buddy is back in Holland now. It did cost 120 euros for the Express Service (what a hassle) but then you get your life back. And well, maybe that's just the price you have to pay for being a complete loser. Including the 47 euros for the emergency passport. By the way, that's another panic story.

Anyway, I typed a piece on the Lost Laptop early during Fashion Week. About Milan. When I was in Milan and thus very current. Grr. Well, you know what, I'll just take you back a week in time. In case you've always wanted to know how to tackle a Fashion Week.

Thursday, February 22, 08:12 AM:

A satisfied sigh. Lil and I are in the beating fashion heart of bella Italia. After a little over an hour and a half of flying, we checked in last night at the Westin Palace on Piazza della Repubblica. Despite the fact that this bed is one you never want to get out of, we did so this morning early to sniff the model air. And yes, the city has a smell. A hint of Gucci, Prada, Dolce, and Kenzo that you simply want to spray all over yourself.

Walk in Milan during Fashion Week and every cliché about fashion is confirmed.

Virtually all women here look stylish, it’s almost scary. As for the love of colors, I just hear it here. How do you do Milan like a true Milanese? Like this:

Skip the minimalism

You can do that in Paris. The Milanese woman dresses almost to the edge (think Anna Dello Russo colorful), but is simultaneously very chic. Daring yet stylish. Extravagant yet not hysterical. It's almost impressive.

Outfits revolve around accessories

Especially during Fashion Week. We just walked past a group of fashion girls who all had one thing in common: the look left room for showstoppers. Think: cool denim suit, but with a bright yellow bag with green tassels and blue heels with yellow dots. During fashion week, accessories make the look. Safe is boring, remember that.

The Milanesi are not shy about a logo

Meters large Gucci on your chest too much? Not at all, girlfriend, the bigger, the better seems to be the motto here. It's nice that I can see what someone is wearing from four meters away. Layers, color blocks, brand names combined without looking gaudy, right? It's an art.

The hair

Your hair is 90% of your selfie. And the Italian women know this all too well. They make hair contact before they make eye contact. They blow-dry their hair just right and shiny, with a silky soft wave. And don't forget the nails. Polished and well-groomed. Always.

Think of the sequin fun

As a wise woman once said… (okay May, I'm totally stealing your quote) “It doesn't have to be Saturday night to legitimize sequins. Do like the Italian and shine on Sunday afternoon with your sequin top. Just wait and see how fun it will be later.”

Know your spots

During Milan Fashion Week, half the team from Vogue hangs around at the Four Seasons hotel. Hotel Principe di Savoia has become a staple for a drink at the bar, lunch is done in the tropical indoor garden of Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone, and at Ceresio 7 (located on the top floor of Dsquared2) you find half of the modeling world for dinner and cocktails. Top off the week at 10 Corso Como and you are completely fashion-proof.